T-72 Tank Modernisation

The upgraded battle tank T-72M4 CZ is an armoured, tracked vehicle with high manoeuverability and heavy-terrain passability.

The original Russian-designed tank T-72 of the 2nd generation has been completely modernised to the level of its 3rd generation variants. In addition to other major improvements of the tank, the 3-man crew is now better protected against enemy fire, the effects of blast, radiation and chemical agents.

Equipped with a 125mm cannon with a rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute, a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coupled with a 12.7mm NSV anti-aircraft machine gun, and a type 95/98 7.62mm machine gun that can use both original and NATO ammunition, the tank can effectively engage other armoured targets, enemy troops, and low flying targets.

The tank can ford water obstacles. It is equipped with a camouflage-designed smoke generator and an internal fire extinguisher.

The tank's acceleration characteristics meet the criteria of the 3rd generation variant. It requires only one-half the time of the original T-72 tank to reach a speed of 20 mph. In addition, the night-time observation and surveillance ranges of the T-72M4 CZ were extended to 3rd generation levels. The upgraded tank's effective night-fire capabilities are rated at 95 percent of those found in the 3rd generation tank.

The upgrading of thirty tanks was made under a contract between MoD and VOP 025, Novy Jicin, Czech Republic, concluded in 2001 in a value reaching 4 bn CZK. Till the end of 2005, there were 28 upgraded tanks delivered to the military, while the whole contract was completed in the first half of 2006.